Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body produces too much acid or the kidneys don’t remove enough. Types include diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and respiratory acidosis. Symptoms and treatments vary depending on the type and underlying cause.
Metabolic acidosis is a medical condition that occurs when a person’s bodily fluids contain excessive amounts of acid. This condition can develop when the body produces more acid than normal or when the kidneys don’t remove enough acid from the body. There are several types of metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and respiratory acidosis.
Some people with diabetes can develop diabetic ketoacidosis. Individuals with this form of metabolic acidosis build up abnormally high levels of ketones in their body. Ketones are acidic substances that are byproducts of the breakdown of fat in the body, and high levels of these acids can be poisonous.
People with ketoacidosis may notice rapid and deep breathing, a flushed face, or fruity breath. Stomach pain, vomiting, and nausea may occur with this acidic disorder. Doctors typically test the levels of ketones in a patient’s urine to identify abnormally high levels of these acids. Most patients with diabetic ketoacidosis do not have enough insulin in their bodies and are usually given insulin replacement medications to treat this condition.
Lactic acidosis is a form of metabolic acidosis that results from a buildup of large amounts of lactic acid in the body. This condition has several potential causes, including liver failure, low blood sugar levels, and excessive amounts of exercise. A lack of oxygen due to heart failure, shock, or anemia can also cause the development of lactic acidosis.
Fast breathing, lethargy, and confusion have been reported by some people with lactic acidosis. Doctors may use blood tests that measure electrolytes or blood gas analysis tests to identify this medical condition. Doctors generally treat lactic acidosis by treating the underlying cause of the disease. Patients can be given baking soda to help the body normalize its acid levels.
Respiratory acidosis is a type of metabolic acidosis that can develop when a patient’s lungs are unable to remove the carbon dioxide produced by the body. The blood often becomes too acidic with this disorder. This condition has a number of possible causes, including lung disease, diseases that affect the muscles the body uses to breathe, and medications that can suppress a patient’s breathing. In some cases, obesity can limit the ability of the lungs to fully exhale and remove carbon dioxide from the body.
Individuals with respiratory acidosis have experienced shortness of breath, drowsiness, and fatigue in some cases. Respiratory failure and shock have occurred with severe cases of this disease. Doctors may treat this condition with bronchodilator drugs that expand the airways in the lungs, or they may recommend oxygen treatment or ventilation to help breathing. Patients with respiratory acidosis who smoke usually receive treatment to help them quit smoking in order to improve their lung functioning.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
